6 Steps to Turn Your Yard Into a Sanctuary for Birds

Step One: Put out the welcome mat!

Habitats loss is the biggest challenge facing birds. You can help by making your neighborhood more attractive to birds by landscaping with native plants that provide natural food sources, shelter from the elements and predators, and nesting sites. Providing feeders, nest boxes and water also benefits birds. To learn how, stop by your local wild bird shop or garden retailer.

Step Two: Prepare a proper menu.

Providing the appropriate foods year round will attract more birds to your yard and help ensure that they have a safe and nutritious diet. Refill feeders regularly with food desired by birds in your area. To pick the best menu, stop by your local wild bird shop.

Step Three: Keep feed and feeding areas clean.

To help reduce the possibility of disease transmission in birds, clean feeders and feeding areas at least once a month. Some feeders go in the dishwasher, while others may be rinsed with a 10% solution of bleach and warm water. Scrub birdbaths with a brush and replace water every three to five days to discourage mosquito reproduction. Rake up and dispose of seed hulls under feeders. Moving feeders periodically helps prevent the build up of waste on the ground. Keep seed and foods dry; discard food that smells musty, is wet or looks moldy. Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned every three to five days, or more often in warm weather. It's good hygiene to wash your hands after filling or cleaning feeders.

Step Four: Birds and chemicals don't mix.

Many pesticides, herbicides and fungicides are toxic to birds; avoid using these near areas where birds bathe or rest. Always follow directions provided by the chemical manufacturers. For additional information, visit your garden retailer.

Step Five: Keep cats away from birds.

Scientists estimate that cats probably kill hundreds of millions of birds each year in the U.S. This is a big problem, but it's easy to fix. Many people who enjoy feeding birds also love cats. The best solution is to keep cats indoors. They will lead longer, healthier lives, and your yard willl be safer for birds. Install feeders in areas not easily accessible to cats or install fences or other barriers to help stray cats from feeder areas. Collar bells, de-clawing and keeping cats well fed will not solve the problem.

Step Six: Reduce window collisions.

Collisions with glass windows kill millions of wild birds every year. Depending on their size and location, some windows reflect the sky or vegetation, and birds are fooled into thinking they can fly through them. To eliminate this problem, identify windows that cause collisions (typically larger, reflective windows, those near the ground, or those that "look through" the house). Attaching decorative decals or other decorations to the outside surface of the glass can reduce reflections. Attaching decorative decals or other decorations to the outside surface of the glass can reduce reflections. If birds fleeing from your feeders are colliding with windows, consider moving feeders within three feet of the window so birds cannot harm themselves while flying away. Problem windows can be covered with a screen so that birds bounce off, rather than hit, the glass.